NPT News July 2011

Mission: The National Park Trust's mission is to champion the preservation of America's criticalparklands through land acquisition, education and partnerships.

Help NPT Preserve America's History

Saving our historical parklands so future generations may appreciate and understand our past is important. Help us preserve a piece of Civil War history by protecting Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park in Georgia. Our goal is to raise $15,000. Consider making a gift of $35, $50, $100 or more. You can be certain that your donation will go a long way to preserve our nation's history.

On July 21st, 150 years ago, the Civil War began when the Union and Confederate Armies met for the first time on the fields overlooking Bull Run in Manassas, VA. Ten hours of heavy fighting swept away any notion that the war's outcome would be decided quickly. Throughout this weekend, there will be events held at Manassas National Battlefield Park.

To commemorate the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, NPT is working in partnership to acquire and protect a critical inholding of 16 acres in Georgia’s Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. The battlefield is significant both historically and environmentally. Among its natural resources are the Noses Creek watershed, Kennesaw Mountain, the Applalachian Foothills, scenic viewshed protection and recreational parkland. Its historical significance rests in the Union’s troop movements in 1864, when Confederate soldiers celebrated a rare victory over Union troops during the waning years of the war.

Interestingly, remains of a Union soldier were recently found at the park and identified by Civil War researcher, Brad Quinlan. Listen to this fascinating story.

Preserving lands where history was made allows our nation’s stories to come alive in tangible ways, where everyone can benefit and learn. NPT considers historical park preservation an important part of our legacy and our future.

Baby Bison Born at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

NPT played a pivotal role in the establishment of Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve , the first national park unit devoted to the natural and cultural history of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem located in the Flint Hills of Kansas.

Last fall, Tallgrass launched a bison recovery plan and introduced 13 bison to the preserve. Park officials believe it is the first time in nearly 140 years that bison have lived on this part of the Kansas prairie. The first baby bison, a female calf was born on May 9th. It was the first calf born on the property since the mid-1800’s. On July 7th, Tallgrass announced the birth of another bison calf.

Interest in the bison herd has remained high with visitors, according to Park Service officials. The herd can be viewed either on foot or by tour bus, as park trails run through or adjacent to the bison pasture.

Secretary Ken Salazar would like to create a national historic park commemorating the Manhattan Project which created the atomic bomb. The park would be located in three locations: Hanford, Washington, Los Alamos, New Mexico and Oak Ridge, Tennessee. “The secret development of the atomic bomb in multiple locations across the United States is an important story and one of the most transformative events in our nation’s history,” Secretary Salazar said Wednesday in announcing his request. “The Manhattan Project ushered in the atomic age, changed the role of the United States in the world community, and set the stage for the Cold War.”

From December, 1942 through September, 1945 the Manhattan Project, a $2.2 billion secret effort employed 130,000 workers. Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis said, “Once a tightly guarded secret, the story of the atomic bomb’s creation needs to be shared with this and future generations,” The National Park Service will be proud to interpret these Manhattan Project sites and unlock their stories in the years ahead.”

The recommendation has been endorsed by the Department of Energy, which would partner with the National Park Service in developing and managing the proposed park. It is now up to Congress and President Obama to decide whether to designate a national historic park.

Salazar Supports State and Local Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Projects

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced that $37.4 million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) will be awarded to establish and renovate parks and open spaces throughout the 50 States, the Territories and the District of Columbia for Fiscal Year 2011. LWCF state grant funds are awarded through Federal matching grants that leverage public and private investment in America's state and local public outdoor recreation.

Historic Preservation Funds Protect Cultural Sites

Secretary Ken Salazar announced $26.7 million in grants from the Historic Preservation Fund to the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Territories, and three independent Pacific Island nations. $4.4 million in grants from the Historic Preservation Fund will go to 117 tribes for preservation of historic and cultural sites and education and interpretation programs.